Often subconscious, teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—can be a disturbing habit that causes different dental problems and disturbed sleep. Still, there’s an unexpected answer with a lot of advantages: donning a night guard. Apart from its main function of protecting your teeth from the negative consequences of grinding, a night guard can reveal unanticipated benefits. Find out how this basic dental tool can remarkably improve your general health and dental condition.
Define teeth grinding
Usually occurring during sleep but sometimes happening during waking hours, teeth grinding—medically known as bruxism—is a habitual and involuntary behavior marked by clenching or grinding of one’s teeth. Two important ideas help one to better grasp teeth grinding:
Bruxism typically strikes involuntarily, and people are often unaware they are grinding their teeth—especially if it happens while they sleep. Without intervention, this can make it difficult to break or regulate the habit.
Extended teeth grinding may cause several dental and health problems. Tooth wear, chipping, and even fractures might follow from it. It might also influence general well-being by causing jaw pain, headaches, and disturbance of sleep habits. Preventing these effects depends on first spotting and treating bruxism.
What Is The Night Guard?
Particularly while sleeping, a night guard is a dental appliance meant to guard the teeth and jaw against the damaging effects of teeth grinding or bruxism. Two main ideas regarding night guards are:
Usually composed of a sturdy, frequently soft or semi-rigid material like acrylic, night guards are Custom-fitted to the wearer’s teeth, they offer a protective barrier keeping the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct touch while grinding. This cushioning action lessens tooth wear and tear.
Custom-made night guards created by a dentist based on a dental impression of the patient’s mouth and over-the-counter (OTC) choices that come pre-made in many sizes are among the several types of night guards available. Though OTC versions are more reasonably priced and easily available, custom night guards typically provide a more exact fit and better protection. Personal tastes and needs will determine which of the two best fits you.
The Unanticipated Advantages
- Wearing a night guard helps you wake up feeling more refreshed by lowering the disruptions created by teeth grinding, thus improving your sleep quality.
- Night guards cover your teeth from chipping, cracking, or wear down brought on by bruxism, so perhaps saving you from expensive dental work.
- Reducing Bruxism-related Jaw Pain and Headaches: Night guards help to relieve persistent discomfort by helping to treat bruxism-related jaw pain and headaches.
- Reducing the Risks of Snoring: In some situations, night guards can also help to maintain open airways, hence enabling more restful evenings for you and your companion.
Ultimately, wearing a sleep guard for teeth grinding has amazing advantages beyond only preserving your teeth. It improves the quality of sleep, reduces pain, and protects your tooth health. Whether you choose an over-the-counter or custom-made solution, this basic tool can be revolutionary in enhancing your general condition. Never undervalue the unexpected benefits of this dental tool in your search for ideal oral health and a decent night’s rest.